Tim Ryan isn’t going to beat Trump, ya crazies!

For a Midwesterner, Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) is pretty smart. You may recall that last year, Ryan helped cement his centrist brand by faux-challenging Nancy Pelosi for House Minority Leader, writing:

While having a position in Democratic Leadership has never been my life’s ambition, after this election I believe we all need to re-evaluate our roles within the Caucus, the Democratic Party, and our country…that is why I am announcing my run for Minority Leader of the Democratic Caucus.

Ryan knew he would lose, but the challenge:

(1) Increased his name ID.

(2) Put him on the radar of donors, campaign managers, staffers, etc.

(3) Distanced himself from “transgender bathroom” Democrats.

This sets up the table nicely for his next 2-3 presidential candidacies and accompanying book deals over the next 20 years.